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From an Individual to a Person: What Economics Can Learn from Theology About Human Beings

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  • Pavel Chalupníček

Abstract

The key assumption of economic anthropology—maximizing behavior by the individual (or Max U)—has been subject to criticism both from outside and within economics. This article suggests that the philosophical or theological approach known as “personalism” may be useful in generating an alternative to Max U, one that is not so flat. The concept of person, as distinct from individual, is outlined, and then two examples of its application in economics are described.

Suggested Citation

  • Pavel Chalupníček, 2014. "From an Individual to a Person: What Economics Can Learn from Theology About Human Beings," Econ Journal Watch, Econ Journal Watch, vol. 11(2), pages 120-126, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:ejw:journl:v:11:y:2014:i:2:p:120-126
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. repec:bla:scandj:v:86:y:1984:i:3:p:301-13 is not listed on IDEAS
    2. Joseph Persky, 1995. "The Ethology of Homo Economicus," Journal of Economic Perspectives, American Economic Association, vol. 9(2), pages 221-231, Spring.
    3. David Lipka, 2013. "The Max U Approach: Prudence Only, or Not Even Prudence? A Smithian Perspective," Econ Journal Watch, Econ Journal Watch, vol. 10(1), pages 2-14, January.
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Economic anthropology; personalism; Max U; economics and religion;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • A12 - General Economics and Teaching - - General Economics - - - Relation of Economics to Other Disciplines
    • A13 - General Economics and Teaching - - General Economics - - - Relation of Economics to Social Values
    • L26 - Industrial Organization - - Firm Objectives, Organization, and Behavior - - - Entrepreneurship
    • Z12 - Other Special Topics - - Cultural Economics - - - Religion
    • Z13 - Other Special Topics - - Cultural Economics - - - Economic Sociology; Economic Anthropology; Language; Social and Economic Stratification

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